Morning came, and Seraphina’s body protested in every way possible. Her muscles ached, her head throbbed, and her golden hair clung to her face in tangled clumps, sticky and uncomfortable.
She frowned as the realization struck her—she’d fallen asleep on the cold, unforgiving floor.
Why had she even let herself drift off like that? Maybe because the bed felt more like a cage than a comfort, a reminder of her captivity. She groaned softly, her body stiff and cramped, as she tried to shift positions.
Stretching was her only solace now, so she started slow. Her knees cracked as she unbent them, her sore muscles screaming in protest.
Each small motion felt monumental, like waking a body that didn’t want to wake at all.
Why am I still here? The thought echoed in her mind, accompanied by a flood of resentment. She hadn’t chosen this place, these circumstances, these people—or rather, these creatures.
Seraphina rolled onto her back, staring up at the ceiling. Her chest heaved a sigh, but it felt hollow, unsatisfying.
The sleep hadn’t helped; if anything, it had left her feeling worse. Her exhaustion wasn’t just physical. It was buried deep in her soul, the kind that no amount of rest could fix.
Her eyes traveled to the clothes she’d been given: short, coarse, ill-fitting. They felt like an insult, another reminder that nothing about this situation respected her dignity.
Where could I even find something better to wear? Or a private bathroom for that matter?
The thought made her scoff bitterly. Privacy seemed like a luxury here. Even the air felt intrusive, heavy with the unspoken threat of watchful eyes.
She didn’t want to see anyone. Not this morning, not ever if she could help it.
Pushing herself up to sit, Seraphina took a deep breath, though it came out shakier than she intended.
Her chest still felt tight, like a fist was squeezing her ribcage, refusing to let go.
Keep it together, Sera. She gave herself a mental nudge, even as her hands trembled slightly. She wouldn’t let herself fall apart, not now.
Slowly, carefully, she stood up, avoiding even a glance at the short clothes clinging to her.
She couldn’t stomach the sight. Instead, she focused on the door ahead—the one she hoped would lead her to a bathroom.
The house was eerily quiet, the kind of silence that felt intentional, like the walls themselves were holding their breath.
She didn’t linger to look around. Instead, her feet moved with purpose, carrying her to the door she’d marked as her destination.
Her fingers gripped the handle, and without a second thought, she swung the door open.
Her breath hitched sharply, her eyes widening at the sight before her.
What the hell?